Tractor lifting apparatus



5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Nov. 17, 1953 1.. H. STEER TRACTOR LIFTING APPARATUS Filed April 22, 1952 Nov. 17, 1953 L. H. STEER TRACTOR LIFTING APPARATUS 3 Shets-Sh'eet 2 Filed April 22, 1952 ATTORNEYS Nov. 17, 1953 sTEER 4 2,659,572

TRACTOR LIFTING APPARATUS Filed April 22, 1952 3 Sheets-Sh'eet 3 1/ INVENTOR ZeaWd/ffieeg ATTORNEY5 Patented Nov. 17, 1953 O F CE assasvg mnaoron L nrmo ArPAitA'rUs eeeati t 5 Ami-2 1 l re Application April 22, 1952, SerialNo. 28am H i as (014 tel-. 242

Thisinvention relates to lifting: apparatus for tractors.

important object of the invention is. the provision'of lifting apparatus fortraotors which is :formed as a complete unit and characterized by the ease and simplicity with Whichit may be attached vto and detached from a" tractor.

A further object of the inventionds the,- provision of tractor lifting apparatus which when attached to :a tractor has a relatively low center or gravity whereby. greater maneuverability: and stability of the tractor is achieved during :operation-of such apparatus.

Another object of the inventionxis the provh sion of apparatus of the indicated type-having 'a plurality 6t lifting beams positionable to, trans: mit force from the structure to an Object to be moved and/or lifitecl inaa' substantially. horizontal plane spaced below the center of gravity of the tractor and approximately parallel .to the tractor drawbar line of draft, whereby a more e'ifective pushing force. can be exerted with less slippage of the tractor driving wheels.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of tractor lifting apparatus having hydraulically operated a lifting mechanisms, wher in an improved-mechanical arran ement i provided for relieving the hydrau icall O e ated-mechanisms of a considerable portion'of the load and shock when the lifting apparatus is in its raised load transporting position.

A further object of the invention is the provision of hydraulically actuated liftingapparatus wherein the hydraulically ac ua e me hanisms a con ec e betw enin i duall ova e elem n o h a pa aiuswhe bva mo e e ive lifting and/0r lowering action obtained.

Astill further object of the inV'entiDnis-the pr vision of hyd auli ally actuated t a r lif n "apparatus e in an improve mecha i l i ti s ar n m i provided for r der g the hyd aulic me n mo e fective and efli nt i all st es o ope a i n -th apparatus- Another object of the invention :is the-provision o a tradr if g pparat act ate b "double..- ae -ns yd auli a y op ated li der'andpi tp mech ni ms w e eby th -e ra atus ma be em.-

ploy si fo d ing dr ng Qbisct int h r und and o h analgesia use These n he sma t nd a vant e o the inv t on wi re -on mo e aupe e t rqm the acetone-am ss F. I?W, .2 n1; e l i e detailed description, illust t'ng describing vier s emb si s-i o the m 9 the rawin s;

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the liiiting apparatus of the invention'attached to "a con? ventional type of tractor,

Eigure 2 is aplan view of the apparatus shown in Eigure 1, the trac or being shown inbmkan lines,

Figure '3 is a cross-sectional View of thetras: tor lifting apparatus taken on the line 3-3-of Ei ure'l,

Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on t ein 4-14 ofli'i e 2,

Figure 5 is a horizontal cross -ise.c t .o alview,of a portion ofthe apparatus taken on line Fi-fi of F ur Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view o e or on o he a paratu 6: o F u 3 nd Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view takenon the lineJ-1 of Figure 2.

ef rin to, Fi ure l e num 0' enera y des nates. a trac r havin r ar d v n -W els "an ront stee in W ls he ear d v- P h e s I of the usual l e ty mounted o ac s de of t e cha Q t tractor; a ea l hqwn n Figure 2- Th i S ee n Wheels oi thte e o one elatively'closely together on each side of the center line of the tractor.

its rearfthe tractor i0 is provided with a A V rearwardlydivergir g side edges It. The draw/par i3 is secured to the chassis of the tractor substantially below the enter line of the rear drive Wheels l'l andds i", as li'i h p d r iin Q? the massiv it from nd h mmo is provided with a forwardly extending clipQlij, secured to the front pedestal post of the tractor, and'having anicgpsmii l1 therein fora purpose gbi g w a v Thetra'c'toriffiis also provided with front tool me e l t ii e i8 nd a d a i mu t lestub pipes [8' project outwardly froin the sideso i thetractor adjacent the front thereof and e operate'with a portion of the'li iting ap p n ses- 11 arar e ar her macer- The hydraulic or amp i i meu ed a the'rea of the tra tor, as clearly shown in Figures-l and 2, is provided with suitable inlet and outlet no s 'cpiia o iedby two'avay va1ves'fora"pu, i ose tq i nfl Thefimpro 'd lifting apparatus ,of-the inventioii 'rnprls'es 'a ibj-rr'ame .20, aidapted toibe siihstantially rigidly "attached to the tractor and is mounted the specific lifting scension ereina er assen ed. This rgtakennn use vides a unitary assembly which may be easily and quickly attached to, or detached from, the tractor.

The sub-frame 2B is made up of the longitudinally extending, forwardly converging side frame members 2| and the front and rear transversely extending frame members 22 and 23. While the particular shapes and forms of the frame members may be varied, it is preferred to make the side frame members 2| of rectangular box-like steel beams and the end frame members 22 and 23 of U-shaped angle iron.

The front frame member 22, formed of U- shaped angle iron as stated, is disposed with the flanged legs thereof extending toward the front of the vehicle. Attached to the base of the member 22, as by welding or the like, are tongues 24 which extend rearwardly from the ends of the member 22 into the ends of the side frame members 2|. Aligned openings are provided in the tongues 24 and frame members 2| through which bolts 25 are inserted to secure the two together. The rear frame member 23 is disposed with the flanged legs thereof extending downwardly and is similarly provided with tongues 26 extending into the rear ends of the legs of the side frame members 2| and secured thereto by the bolts 21.

The sub-frame 28 is attached to and supported by the front pedestal post clip l and the rear drawbar l3. For this purpose, the base of the front frame member 22 is provided substantially centrally thereof with an elongated slot 30 through which the clip It may be extended until the opening therein is aligned with corresponding openings in the flanged legs of the member 22. A pin 3| may then be inserted through the aligned openings as clearly shown in Figure l to anchor the front portion of the sub-frame to the tractor.

The sub-frame 23 is secured to the drawbar l3 by ears 32, bolted, welded or otherwise secured to the rear frame member 23, and provided with aligned openings 34 to receive the pin 35. The pin 35 is positioned above, and rests on, the drawbar l3, thereby serving to attach the rear end of the sub-frame 20 to the tractor. The ears 32 extend upwardly on opposite sides of the drawbar l3 and are inclined outwardly slightly toward the rear of the device so as to rest flatly against the side edges M of the drawbar. By virtue of this arrangement, it will be apparent that any rearward thrust on the sub-frame 26 will force the cars 32 into wedging engagement with the side edges l4 of the drawbar thereby absorbing such thrusts and preventing further rearward movement of the sub-frame 26.

To further assist in transmitting forces from the sub-frame to the chassis of the tractor, the side frame members 2| carry brackets 36, positioned adjacent the forward ends thereof, and secured thereto by rivets or bolts 31. The brackets 36 extend upwardly from the frame members 2| and are provided with recesses 38 for receiving the stub pipes l8. The sub-frame supporting and force transmitting functions of the brackets will be readily apparent.

Welded or otherwise secured between the depending flanged legs of the rear frame member 23 is a tubular shaft 48 having portions 4| thereon which project beyond the ends of the rear frame member. Journaled on the projecting end portions 4| of the shaft 40 are arms 42. These arms are secured by bolts 43 to lifting beams 44. The beams 44 are preferably of rectangular steel construction, similar to the side frame members 2|, and extend forwardly, in parallel relation, beyond the front wheels of the tractor. The lifting beams 44 are connected adjacent their front ends by a cross brace 35 welded or otherwise secured thereto in any suitable manner. At their forward ends the beams 34 are provided with downwardly offset portions 46 having openings 41 therein for receiving the usual or any desired type of fitting.

Intermediate the ends thereof the frame members 2| are provided with depending brackets 48, secured thereto by rivets or bolts 49 and having outwardly extending sleeve bearings 50. Bell cranks 5| are journaled on the bearing sleeves 50 and retained in position thereon between washers 52 and 53. As will be more clearly apparent hereinafter, the bell cranks 5| are subjected to substantial stresses during operation of the device, which stresses in turn are transmitted to the sleeves 50, brackets 48, and side frame members 2|. Therefore, in order to strengthen and rigidify these elements it has been found desirable to utilize a tubular shaft 54. The shaft 54 extends transversely of the sub-frame 20 to and through the side frame members 2| and the sleeves 50, as clearly shown in Figure '7. The shaft 54 slidably engages the sleeves 50 and may be removed for a purpose to be described.

The bell cranks 5| are each provided with a relatively long forwardly extending arm 55 and a shorter rearwardly extending arm 56. The long arms 55 of the bell cranks are slidably connected to the lifting beams 44 adjacent the forward ends thereof. Such slidable connections preferably comprise flanged rollers 51, mounted on shafts 58 secured in the ends of the long arms 55 of the bell cranks. The rollers 51 roll ably engage the bottom sides of the lifting beams 44 and may, if desired, be spaced from the arms 55 by washers 59.

The slidable connections further include means for engaging the top sides of the lifting beams 44 to force them downwardly when the apparatus is used for digging, driving and the like. Such means may desirably comprise blocks or slides 60, preferably formed of wood, for example oak, previously soaked in oil, and secured to one flange 6| of a transversely extending angle iron '62 by rivets or bolts 64. The angle iron 62 is carried by vertically extending plates 63, mounted on the shafts 58 outwardly of the rollers 51. The angle irons 62 may be secured to the plates 63 by turning the ends of the bottom flange 6| upwardly as shown at 65 and then riveting the upturned portions 65 to the plate with rivets 66.

The short arms 56 of the bell cranks 5| are pivotally connected at their ends, as at 10, to the piston rods H of hydraulically operated cylinder and piston mechanisms 12. In accordance with the invention, the hydraulically operated mechanisms 12 are of the double-acting type, provided with inlet and outlet ports 13 and I4 at the ends thereof, so that fluid may be introduced at either of the ends of the hydraulic cylinders to force the pistons 15 thereof in either direction. The inlet and outlet ports 13 and 14 of these devices are connected to the pump I9 by flexible connections 16 so that fluid may be selectively supplied to either of the ends of the hydraulic mechanisms to force the pistons in the desired direction.

At the ends thereof opposite their points of connection with the arms 56, the hydraulically operated cylinder and piston'mechanisins '12 are pivotally connected as'at I to'ears 18,;secured toan'd' upstanding from theliftingbeams Such connections may desirably be made by flattening the ends of' the-hydraulic cylin- .clers of the mechanisms l2, as shown at' 19 or alternatively by securing a flattened extension on the cylinders. iBy' virtue-of this arrangement, it will be noted that the hydraulically operated cylinder and piston mechanisms 2--are connected to movable parts or the apparatus, namely, the bell crank arms '6 and the lifting beams 44. It will further be noted that thefa-ngular relationship of the arms-Stand themechanisms 12 is such that maximum use i's made jof the thrust exerted by the mechanisms 72 throughout the full swinging movement of-"the arms 55.

Operation The lifting apparatus of the invention is very simply and easily attached to a tractor in the member 22. During such movement of the tractor, the front wheels thereof pass over the rear frame member 23 between the ears 32 thereof and then move forwardly between theside frame members 2|. The rear wheels of the tractor straddle the apparatus as clearly shown 'inFigure 2. After the tractor has been moved forward as above indicated, the front end of the sub-frame is lifted up until the slot is opposite the clip I6. The tractor'is thenmoved forward sufficiently to insert the clip I6 through the slot 30 after which the pin 3| may be insorted in position through the aligned openings in the clip l6 and the flanged legs of the front frame member 22.

Where the brackets Sta-re used,- these may-be engaged with the stub pipes "I3 at-t-he-same time the connection with the front pedestal clip 5 is made. This may require some lifting of the rear portion of the sub-frame to align the-slots of the brackets with the stub pipes 48. Alternatively, if the stub pipes is are removable, they may be removed until the rear-portion of the sub-frame Bil is secured in position, as-hereinaiter described, after which they may again be secured in position with intermediate portions thereof positioned in the'slots 33. v

Attachment of the rear portion of the apparatus is very simply accomplished merely by lifting the rear end of the sub frame 29 untilthe openings 34 in the ears 32 are above the top of the drawbar l3 and then inserting-the pm 135 through the openings-3d until it assumes the position shown in Figure 2. The crossshaitj i is th n inserted into the tubular sleeves sil to asturns the position shown in Figure 2 and. the by draulic lines 16 connected to the pump lens shown in Figure l. The apparatus is no-w ready to be placed in operation.

In'the utilization of the apparatus forv lifting and transporting objects, the lifting beams .41;

maybe moved between'the loading and'unloading positionishown' min-1' lines in-"Figure Land the transporting or carrying position shown in broken lines "in the same figure. This is accomplished bysetting the 'valves, of the pump l9" to deliver fluid to the leftends'as-vijewed in'Figure 1, of the hydraulic piston and cylinder mechanisms 12'. This produces forces on the pistons or the hydraulically operated mechanisms l 2 which tend to move the *pi'stonsand rods?! to the right, as shown in Figure 1, and simultaneously exerts an equal and opposite force on the ends or the hydraulic cylinders of such mechanisms tending to force them to theleft as shown in Figure 1; Since the hydraulically operatedmechanisins"f2 are connected at their opposite ends to the beams 34 and the arms 6f thebell cranks 5!, these oppositely directed forces) both act "to raise the liftingbeams, the one through directaction on, the-beams, and the other through action-on the bell cranks 5;! which are slidably connected to the'b'eams. V

'In the movement of the li-fting -beams*4-i from their -'loading to their transporting position, the b'ellfcrankstl and the hydraulically operated mechanisms 12 movet'o thedotted line positions shown in Figure 1. During such movement, it will be noted that the" angular relation between the mechanisms'lZ and the lifting bearns'da-"on "the one hand, and the mechanisms l2 and the bell crank arms -58'on the other hand, is const'antly changing. beams, this changing-relation results ina gradually increasing component of force being applied In the case of the lifting to lift-th'ebeams. In the "case of the bell cranks, this changing relation results'first "in'a gradual increase, and then a'gradual decrease, in the component of force tending to] swing the bell cranks. However, "it will be noted, that the cornponent of force tending to swing the bell cranks jis approximately the same in the 'fuIIand dotted line positions of the parts, and that thearrangement is such as to obtain the maximum effect from the hydraulically operated mechanisms '52 throughout the full'arc of'swing'of the arms 576.

As the lifting beams 44 are raisedabove the line of the sub frame td," the arms 55 of the bell cranks 5| assume a greater proportion of the load of such beams, withtlie result that'there is a gradual decreasein the component or forcerequired to "swing the'arms 55. This reaches a maximum when theparts are in the broken line positions'shown in Figure 1, at which point the arms 55 take a substantial part of the load of the beams, requiring a minimum of force to beencit d by th hydraulic mechanisms -12 to hold the bell cranks andbeams in the broken line p0r sitions. This relieves the hydraulic mechanisms 'of considerable stresses andstrai'ns during the transporting of object o e carried from on place to another, and'as ac'onsequence such mechanisms have longer life and are lesssua ject to breakdown.

It will be apparent from the above that the arrangement of parts issuch as to secure maxi mum effectiveness nd' fiilciency from th ydraulic mechanisms lzaswell astoreli'eve them from sho'ckand strain when the beams are in transporting position. Increased effectiveness in the operation of the'appare s is also Obtain d by virtue of the slidable connection between th bell crank arms 5 andlthe [beams wher by th ,roliersiti lr'ollably enga e the botto r ni.sides of'the beams to raise and support them in any desired position. 'Anotherlfe'ature of the slidable "c.011- "nection'is'the provision or the blocks'til and lowering said lifting beams comprising associated parts which, in combination with the double-acting hydraulic mechanisms "12, permit the device to be used for digging, driving and the like. In carrying out such operations, a continuous or intermittent force may be applied to the tops of the beams by the bell cranks blocks 60 and associated mechanism, by suitable manipulation of the two-way pump valves which control the operation of the hydraulic mechanisms 12.

The lifting apparatus may be detached from the tractor, very simply and easily, merely by following the reverse procedure outlined hereinabove for attaching it. Thus it is merel necessary to remove the pins and 31, lower the apparatus to the ground, remove the shaft 54, and then back the tractor until it passes over the rear frame member 23 between the ears 32. When so detached, nothing remains on the tractor after it has been backed or driven out, ex-

cept the front pedestal clip l8 which can be used as a means of pushing and backing loads about. The apparatus thus provides a complete and unitary structure adapted for easy and quick attachment to most any of the standard Row Crop tractors.

By attaching the apparatus below the rear drawbar of the tractor a relatively low center of gravity is obtained which greatly facilitates maneuverability and minimizes the tendency to tilt or turn over when the machine is being used for transporting loads. Furthermore, it will be noted that when the lifting beams are in their lower position for pushing objects the line of the pushing force exerted is below the axle housing level and along a substantially horizontal line, with the result that there is little tendency to raise the driving wheels with consequent slippage. By virtue of this arrangement more effective pushing force is exerted on objects to be moved than with less slippage of the driving wheels.

It will further be noted that nopart of the lifting apparatus is disposed above the tractor except when the beams are in raised position. This permits the tractor equipped with the apparatus, to be driven through any opening which would accommodate the tractor alone. In addition, it also permits a clear view during certain phases of operation of the apparatus.

It will be apparent that the present invention provides an improved lifting apparatus for tractors which is simple in construction and effective in operation, and which is formed as a complete and unitary structure adapted for quick and easy attachment to, and detachment from, a tractor. While a preferred form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to specific structural details except as included in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A unitary lifting attachment for tractors comprising a frame having longitudinally extending side frame members connected adjacent their ends by front and rear transversely extending frame members, means for securing the front and rear frame members to the front and rear portions of a tractor with the side frame mem-- bers positioned on either side thereof, lifting beams pivotally mounted on opposite sides of said frame adjacent the rear thereofand of a length to extend forwardly beyond the front end of a tractor, and means for simultaneously raising and bell cranks pivotally mounted on said longitudinally extending side frame members intermediate the ends thereof, one arm of each of said bell cranks being slidably connected with the forward portion of each lifting beam, and a hydraulic cylinder and piston mechanism connected at one end thereof to the other arm of each bell crank and at the other end thereof to each lifting beam adjacent its rear end.

2. A unitary lifting attachment for tractors comprising a frame having longitudinally extending side frame members secured in spaced apart relation, means for securing said frame to a tractor with the side frame members positioned on either side thereof, a pair of lifting beams pivotally mounted on said side frame members adjacent the rear ends thereof and adapted to extend beyond the front of a tractor on which the frame may be mounted, bell cranks pivotally mounted on said side frame members intermediate the ends thereof, one arm of each bell crank being slidably connected to the adjacent lifting beam forwardly thereof, and a pair of fluid operated cylinder and piston mechanisms for actuating said bell cranks, each of said mecha nisms being connected at one end to the other arm of each bell crank and at its other end to the adjacent lifting beam rearwardly thereof, the points of connection of said mechanisms with said lifting beams being above the points of connection of said mechanisms with said other bell crank arms whereby said mechanisms exert upward components of force on said beams to assist in lifting them.

3. A unitary lifting attachment for tractors comprising a frame having longitudinally extending side frame members connected adjacent their ends by front and rear transversely extending frame members, said front frame member having a slot therein for receiving a front pedestal post clip of a tractor, a pair of ears secured to and extending upwardly from said rear frame member, said ears being spaced apart to receive therebetween the drawbar of a tractor, lifting beams pivotally mounted on said frame adjacent the rear thereof, and means mounted on said frame for lifting said beams.

4. A unitary lifting attachment for tractors comprising a frame having longitudinally extending side frame members connected adjacent their ends by front and rear transversely extending frame members, means associated with said front frame member for fixedly securing the front end of said frame to the front pedestal post of a tractor, means associated with said rear frame member for fixedly securing the rear of said frame to the drawbar of a tractor, bearing means projecting outwardly from said rear frame member at opposite ends thereof, lifting beams pivotally mounted on said bearing means and extending forwardly of said frame outwardly of said side frame members, a brace extending between and connected to said lifting beams adjacent their forward ends, and means mounted on said side frame members for raising said lifting beams.

5. A unitary lifting attachment for tractors comprising a frame having longitudinally extending side frame members, means for fixedly securing said frame to a tractor, a pair of lifting beams pivotally mounted on opposite sides of said frame adjacent the rear thereof, bell cranks pivotally. mounted on said side frame members intermediate the ends thereof, one arm of each bell crank having slidable connection with one of said beams, and a hydraulic cylinder and piston mechanism having one of its ends connected to the other arm of each bell crank and its other end connected to one of said beams, said hydraulic cylinder and piston mechanisms being operative to swing said bell cranks to raise said lifting beams.

6. A tractor lifting apparatus comprising a frame having longitudinally extending side frame members, means for securing fixedly said frame to a tractor, a pair of lifting beams pivotally mounted on opposite sides of said frame adjacent the rear thereof, bell cranks mounted on said side frame members, a roller carried by one arm of each of said bell cranks for rollably supporting one of said lifting beams, and hydraulic means connected to the other arm of each bell crank for swinging same to raise said lifting beams.

7. A tractor lifting apparatus as set forth in claim 6 including a shaft for rotatably mounting each of said rollers, and means carried by said shafts for engaging the tops of said lifting beams to force them downwardly.

8. A tractor lifting apparatus as set forth in claim '7 in which the means carried by said shafts includes a transversely extending member disposed above the beams, and blocks carried by said member for engagement with the tops of the beams.

9. A tractor lifting apparatus comprising a frame having longitudinally extending spaced side frame members, a pair of lifting beams pivotally mounted on opposite sides of said frame adjacent the rear thereof, brackets mounted on said side frame members intermediate the ends thereof and having outwardly extending bearings, bell cranks mounted on said bearings operable to lift said lifting beams, and a tubular shaft extending through said bearings transversely of said frame to strengthen and rigidify same.

10. A tractor lifting apparatus comprising a frame, lifting beams pivotally mounted on said frame adjacent the rear thereof, hydraulic cylinder and piston mechanisms connected to said lifting beams, bell cranks pivotally mounted on said frame, one arm of each bell crank being connected to one of said lifting beams, and the other arm of each bell crank being connected to one of said hydraulic mechanisms, the points of connection of said hydraulic mechanisms with said beams being disposed rearwardly of and above the points of connection of said hydraulic mechanisms with said bell crank arms whereby said hydraulic mechanisms exert an upward component of force on said beams to assist in lifting them.

11. A lifting attachment for tractors comprising a unitary frame having longitudinally extending side frame members connected adjacent their ends by front and rear transversely extending frame members, means for fixedly securing the front frame member to the front pedestal post of a tractor, means for suspending the rear frame member from the draw bar of a tractor with the rear end of the frame disposed below the rear axle housing intermediate the rear wheels, lifting beams pivotally mounted on said side frame members'adjacent the rear ends thereof, bell cranks pivotally mounted on said side frame members intermediate the ends thereof and having angularly disposed arms thereon, one arm of each bell crank extending forwardly and downwardly and the other arm rearwardly and downwardly when the beams are in their lowermost positions, the lower ends of said forwardly and downwardly extending arms having sliding connections with their respective lifting beams with which they are associated, and a pair of fluid operated cylinder and piston mechanisms having their forward ends connected to the lower ends of said rearwardly and downwardly extending bell crank arms and their rearward ends connected to said beams, the points of connection of the forward ends of said fluid operated cylinder and piston mechanisms with the rearwardly and downwardly extending arms of the bell cranks being below the points of connection of their rearward ends with the beams, whereby said fluid operated cylinder and piston mechanisms exert a direct lifting action on said beams as well as a turning action on said bell cranks.

LEONARD H. STEER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Number Name Date 2,064,022 Maloon Dec. 15, 1936 2,094,153 Harrington Sept. 28, 1937 2,435,098 Pokorny Jan. 2'7, 1948 2,435,651 Huber Feb. 10, 1948 2,469,615 Templeton May 10, 1949 

